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Maxwell, Thomas (1816–1873)

The floods have now again quite subsided without any great damage, and mail communication re-established.

We have, however, to regret the loss of an old resident, Mr. Thomas Maxwell, who was drowned on the 18th instant, while attempting to cross the Balonne River on horseback. It appears that he left St. George in company with a Mr. Robertson, with the intention of crossing the river at the Gulnarbah Crossing. About the middle of the river the horse, getting out of his depth, commenced to plunge, and the girth breaking, the rider was thrown off. The deceased was never seen to rise, and it is supposed that the horse must have kicked him while under water. Mr. Robertson immediately returned to town to obtain assistance. Mr. Uhr, our Police Magistrate, with Sergeant Cranney and Constable Brady, with several inhabitants, were quickly on the spot. A boat was also taken down, but although every exertion was used the body was not recovered until about noon the following day. A magisterial enquiry was held, and a verdict returned of "accidental death by drowning." The funeral on the following Sunday was attended by the whole of the inhabitants of the town with scarcely an exception. The sad occurrence was deeply felt, and general sympathy expressed for the bereaved widow and family, the deceased being universally respected.